biological resources assessment...jun 15, 2015 · sensitive biological communities include...

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Biological Resources Assessment

DUBLIN VALLEY CHRISTIAN CENTER DUBLIN, ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Prepared For:

Mr. Jerry Haag, Urban Planner

2029 University Ave

Berkeley, California 94704

(510) 644-2016

WRA Contact:

Sean Avent

[email protected]

(415) 454-8868 x1120

Date:

June 15, 2015

mailto:[email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... iv

1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 1

2.0 REGULATORY BACKGROUND ......................................................................................... 1 2.1 Special-Status Species ............................................................................................ 1 2.2 Sensitive Biological Communities ............................................................................ 4 2.3 Relevant Local Policies, Ordinances, Regulations ................................................... 5

3.0 METHODS .......................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Biological Communities ........................................................................................... 7

3.1.1 Non-Sensitive Biological Communities ...................................................... 7 3.1.2 Sensitive Biological Communities .............................................................. 7

3.2 Special-Status Species ............................................................................................ 8 3.2.1 Literature Review ...................................................................................... 8 3.2.2 Site Assessment ....................................................................................... 8

4.0 RESULTS ........................................................................................................................... 9 4.1 Biological Communities ........................................................................................... 9

4.1.1 Non-Sensitive Biological Communities .................................................... 10 4.2 Special-Status Species ...........................................................................................14

4.2.1 Plants ...................................................................................................... 14 4.2.2 Wildlife .................................................................................................... 14

5.0 SUMMARY AND RECCOMENDATIONS .......................................................................... 20 5.1 Biological Communities ..........................................................................................20 5.2 Special-Status Plant Species ..................................................................................20 5.3 Special-Status Wildlife Species ..............................................................................21

5.3.1 Special-Status Birds and Other Avian Species ........................................ 21 5.3.2 California red-legged frog ........................................................................ 22

6.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 22

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A – List of Observed Plant and Wildlife Species Appendix B – Potential for Special-Status Species to Occur in the Study Area Appendix C – Site Photographs

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Description of CNPS Ranks and Threat Codes ........................................................... 2 Table 2. Summary of Biological Communities in the Study Area ............................................. 10

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Location map. ............................................................................................................. 3 Figure 2. Biological communities within the Study Area. .......................................................... 11 Figure 3. Special-status plants within a five-mile radius of the Study Area. .............................. 15 Figure 4. Special-status plants within a five-mile radius of the Study Area. .............................. 16 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AWS Alameda whipsnake CCR California Code of Regulations

CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly California Department of Fish and Game [CDFG])

CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CESA California Endangered Species Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database CNPS California Native Plant Society Corps U.S. Army Corps of Engineers CRLF California red-legged frog CTS California tiger salamander EIR Environmental Impact Report ESA Federal Endangered Species Act Inventory CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants OWHM Ordinary High Water Mark Rank California Rare Plant Rank RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board SJKF San Joaquin kit fox USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service WRA WRA, Inc.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of natural community and special-status species at the Valley Christian Center located in Dublin, California. On May 20, 2015, WRA, Inc. (WRA) conducted a biological resources assessment within the Valley Christian Center. WRA observed five biological communities, 61 plant species and seven wildlife species. Two sensitive biological community types covering 1.86 acres in the Study Area were identified. No special-status wildlife or plant species were observed within the Study Area. Six special-status wildlife species and one special-status plant species have a moderate potential to occur within the Study Area.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION On May 20, 2015, WRA, Inc. performed an assessment of biological resources at the approximately 54-acre Valley Christian Center (Project Area) and surrounding environs (Study Area) in Dublin, Alameda County, California (Figure 1). The Study Area is located in an urban area that consists of a patchwork of developed residential areas interspersed with undeveloped, open areas. The Study Area consists of an existing developed campus including pre-school through high school, church, and administrative buildings, sports facilities, and parking areas. The existing development is bordered to the north residential development and open space, to the east by residential development, to the south by the Interstate 580 Freeway, and to the west by residential development and open space. Valley Christian Center was originally developed under a Conditional Use Permit granted by Alameda County in 1978, prior to the incorporation of the area by the City of Dublin in 1982. The current development was approved under an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in 2003. The Valley Christian Center is proposing a modification of its Planned Development, including the rearrangement of its play fields and construction of new buildings and parking facilities. The purpose of the assessment was to gather information necessary to complete a review of biological resources under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This report describes the results of the site visit, which assessed the Study Area for the (1) potential to support special-status species; and (2) presence of other sensitive biological resources protected by local, state, and federal laws and regulations. If special-status species were observed during the site visit, they were recorded. Specific findings on the habitat suitability or presence of special-status species or sensitive habitats may require that protocol-level surveys be conducted. A biological resources assessment provides general information on the potential presence of sensitive species and habitats. The biological assessment is not an official protocol-level survey for listed species that may be required for project approval by local, state, or federal agencies. This assessment is based on information available at the time of the study and on-site conditions that were observed on the date of the site visit.

2.0 REGULATORY BACKGROUND The following sections explain the regulatory context of the biological assessment, including applicable laws and regulations that were applied to the field investigations and analysis of potential project impacts. 2.1 Special-Status Species Special-status species include those plant and wildlife species that have been formally listed, are proposed as endangered or threatened, or are candidates for such listing under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) or California Endangered Species Act (CESA). These acts afford protection to both listed and proposed species. In addition, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW, formerly the California Department of Fish and Game, CDFG) Species of Special Concern, which are species that face extirpation in California if current population and habitat trends continue, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Birds of Conservation Concern, and CDFW special-status invertebrates, are all considered special-status species. Bat species are also evaluated for conservation status by the Western Bat Working Group (WBWG), a non-governmental entity. Although CDFW Species of Special Concern and WBWG-evaluated bats generally have no special legal status, they are given special consideration under CEQA. In addition to regulations for special-status species, most native birds in the

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United States, including non-status species, are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA). Under this legislation, destroying active nests, eggs, and young is illegal. Plant species on the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Rare and Endangered Plant Inventory (Inventory) with California Rare Plant Ranks (Rank) of 1 and 2 are also considered special-status plant species and must be considered under CEQA. Rank 3 and Rank 4 species are afforded little or no protection under CEQA, but are included in this analysis for completeness. A description of the CNPS Ranks is provided below in Table 1.

Table 1. Description of CNPS Ranks and Threat Codes

California Rare Plant Ranks (formerly known as CNPS Lists) Rank 1A Presumed extirpated in California and either rare or extinct elsewhere

Rank 1B Rare, threatened, or endangered in California and elsewhere

Rank 2A Presumed extirpated in California, but more common elsewhere

Rank 2B Rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere

Rank 3 Plants about which more information is needed - A review list

Rank 4 Plants of limited distribution - A watch list

Threat Ranks 0.1 Seriously threatened in California

0.2 Moderately threatened in California

0.3 Not very threatened in California

Critical Habitat

Critical habitat is a term defined in the ESA as a specific geographic area that contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. The ESA requires federal agencies to consult with the USFWS to conserve listed species on their lands and to ensure that any activities or projects they fund, authorize, or carry out will not jeopardize the survival of a threatened or endangered species. In consultation for those species with critical habitat, federal agencies must also ensure that activities or projects do not adversely modify critical habitat to the point that it will no longer aid in the species’ recovery. In many cases, this level of protection is similar to that already provided to species by the ESA jeopardy standard. However, areas that are currently unoccupied by the species but which are needed for the species’ recovery are protected by the prohibition against adverse modification of critical habitat.

Figure 1. Study Area Location Map

Dublin Valley Christian Center Alameda County, California

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0 1 20.5

Miles

Map Extent

Study Area

580

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2.2 Sensitive Biological Communities

Sensitive biological communities include habitats that fulfill special functions or have special values, such as wetlands, streams, or riparian habitat. These habitats are protected under federal regulations such as the Clean Water Act; state regulations such as the Porter-Cologne Act, the CDFW Streambed Alteration Program, and CEQA; or local ordinances or policies such as city or county tree ordinances, Special Habitat Management Areas, and General Plan Elements.

Waters of the United States

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) regulates “Waters of the United States” under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Waters of the U.S. are defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as waters susceptible to use in commerce, including interstate waters and wetlands, all other waters (intrastate waterbodies, including wetlands), and their tributaries (33 CFR 328.3). Potential wetland areas, according to the three criteria used to delineate wetlands as defined in the Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987), are identified by the presence of (1) hydrophytic vegetation, (2) hydric soils, and (3) wetland hydrology. Areas that are inundated at a sufficient depth and for a sufficient duration to exclude growth of hydrophytic vegetation are subject to Section 404 jurisdiction as “other waters” and are often characterized by an ordinary high water mark (OHWM). Other waters, for example, generally include lakes, rivers, and streams. The placement of fill material into Waters of the U.S generally requires an individual or nationwide permit from the Corps under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

Waters of the State

The term “Waters of the State” is defined by the Porter-Cologne Act as “any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state.” The Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) protects all waters in its regulatory scope and has special responsibility for wetlands, riparian areas, and headwaters. These waterbodies have high resource value and are vulnerable to filling. RWQCB jurisdiction includes “isolated” wetlands and waters that may not be regulated by the Corps under Section 404. Waters of the State are regulated by the RWQCB under the State Water Quality Certification Program which regulates discharges of fill and dredged material under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Projects that require a Corps permit, or fall under other federal jurisdiction, and have the potential to impact Waters of the State, are required to comply with the terms of the Water Quality Certification determination. If a proposed project does not require a federal permit, but does involve dredge or fill activities that may result in a discharge to Waters of the State, the RWQCB has the option to regulate the dredge and fill activities under its state authority in the form of Waste Discharge Requirements.

Streams, Lakes, and Riparian Habitat

Streams and lakes, as habitat for fish and wildlife species, are subject to jurisdiction by CDFW under Sections 1600-1616 of California Fish and Game Code. Alterations to or work within or adjacent to streambeds or lakes generally require a 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement. The term “stream”, which includes creeks and rivers, is defined in the California Code of Regulations (CCR) as “a body of water that flows at least periodically or intermittently through a bed or channel having banks and supports fish or other aquatic life [including]

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watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that supports or has supported riparian vegetation” (14 CCR 1.72). In addition, the term “stream” can include ephemeral streams, dry washes, watercourses with subsurface flows, canals, aqueducts, irrigation ditches, and other means of water conveyance if they support aquatic life, riparian vegetation, or stream-dependent terrestrial wildlife (CDFG 1994). “Riparian” is defined as “on, or pertaining to, the banks of a stream.” Riparian vegetation is defined as “vegetation which occurs in and/or adjacent to a stream and is dependent on, and occurs because of, the stream itself” (CDFG 1994). Removal of riparian vegetation also requires a Section 1602 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFW.

Oak Woodlands Conservation Act

California Public Resources Code (PRC) 21083.4 requires each county in California to implement an oak woodland protection policy to mitigate for the loss of oak woodlands resultant from approved projects within their jurisdiction. In this policy, oak trees are defined as all native species of oaks larger than five inches DBH (diameter at breast height, or 4.5 feet above grade). At least one of four mitigation alternatives for significant conversions of oak woodlands are required in this regulation: 1) conserve oak woodlands through the use of a conservation easement, 2) plant an appropriate number of trees, including maintaining plantings and replacing dead or diseased trees, 3) contribute funds to the Oak Woodlands Conservation Fund, as established under Section 1363 (a) of the Fish and Game Code, and 4) other mitigation measures developed by the County.

Other Sensitive Biological Communities

Other sensitive biological communities not discussed above include habitats that fulfill special functions or have special values. Natural communities considered sensitive are those identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations, or by the CDFW. The CDFW ranks sensitive communities as "threatened" or "very threatened" and keeps records of their occurrences in its California Natural Diversity Database (CDFW 2015). Sensitive plant communities are also identified by CDFW (CDFG 2003, 2007, 2009). CNDDB vegetation alliances are ranked 1 through 5 based on NatureServe's (2010) methodology, with those alliances ranked globally (G) or statewide (S) as 1 through 3 considered sensitive. Impacts to sensitive natural communities identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or those identified by the CDFW or USFWS must be considered and evaluated under CEQA (CCR Title 14, Div. 6, Chap. 3, Appendix G). Specific habitats may also be identified as sensitive in city or county general plans or ordinances.

2.3 Relevant Local Policies, Ordinances, Regulations

City of Dublin General Plan

Further documentation is required to satisfy the requirements of CEQA. The Study Area is located in the Primary Planning Area of the Dublin General Plan. The City of Dublin adopted a General Plan in 1985 to regulate land use and development in the community. The General Plan contains goals and guiding policies related to development. The Conservation Element (Chapter 7) of the Dublin General Plan contains policies that may apply to the Project, including stream corridor and riparian vegetation, and oak woodland protection.

East Alameda County Conservation Strategy

The Study Area is located in Conservation Zone 1 of the East Alameda County Conservation

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Strategy (ICF 2010; EACCS). The EACCS is intended to provide an effective framework to protect, enhance, and restore natural resources in eastern Alameda County, while improving and streamlining the environmental permitting process for impacts resulting from infrastructure and development projects. The City of Dublin is a partner in the EACCS and uses the document to provide a baseline inventory of biological resources and conservation priorities during project-level planning and environmental permitting. However, the EACCS is a framework for guidance by regulatory agencies, and does not include incidental take permits for threatened or endangered species similar to that provided by a Habitat Conservation Plan.

The EACCS includes provisions for “focal species”—species that are protected under federal and state laws. An objective of the EACCS is to protect and enhance the habitats of these species.

City of Dublin Watercourse Protection Ordinance

The City of Dublin regulates watercourses within the incorporated area of the City under Chapter 7.2 “Watercourse Protection” (Ord. 52-87 § 1), of the Dublin Municipal Code. The Watercourse Protection Ordinance requires development setbacks from watercourses, and prohibits a variety of activities within the floodway, bank or setback of a watercourse.

City of Dublin Heritage Tree Ordinance

The City of Dublin defines heritage trees as any oak, bay, cypress, maple, redwood, buckeye or sycamore tree having a trunk or main stem of twenty-four inches or more in diameter measured at four feet six inches above natural grade. Additionally, any tree preserved as part of an approved development plan, zoning permit, use permit, site development review, or subdivision map is protected as a heritage tree as is any tree planted as a replacement for an unlawfully removed tree. Heritage trees may not be removed unless a tree removal permit is granted or the removal is approved as part of other approved development permits. If a development site contains heritage trees that are to be preserved under an approved development plan, these trees must be protected during site development. A tree protection plan must be approved prior to commencement of work unless the Community Development Director of the City of Dublin has specifically waived this requirement (City of Dublin Municipal Code, Chapter 5.60, inclusive).

3.0 METHODS On May 20, 2015 the Study Area was traversed on foot to determine (1) plant communities present within the Study Area, (2) if existing conditions provided suitable habitat for any special-status plant or wildlife species, and (3) if sensitive habitats are present. All plant and wildlife species encountered were recorded, and are summarized in Appendix A. Plant nomenclature follows Baldwin et al. (2012) and subsequent revisions by the Jepson Flora Project (2013), except where noted. Because of recent changes in classification for many of the taxa treated by Baldwin et al. and the Jepson Flora Project, relevant synonyms are provided in brackets. For cases in which regulatory agencies, CNPS, or other entities base rarity on older taxonomic treatments, precedence was given to the treatment used by those entities.

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3.1 Biological Communities Prior to the site visit, the Soil Survey of Alameda County, California [U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) web soil surveys], aerial imagery and previous reports from the site were examined to determine if any aquatic features were present in the Study Area examined to determine if any unique soil types that could support sensitive plant communities and/or aquatic features were present in the Study Area. Biological communities present in the Study Area were classified based on existing plant community descriptions described in the Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California (Holland 1986). However, in some cases it is necessary to identify variants of community types or to describe non-vegetated areas that are not described in the literature. Biological communities were classified as sensitive or non-sensitive as defined by CEQA and other applicable laws and regulations. 3.1.1 Non-Sensitive Biological Communities Non-sensitive biological communities are those communities that are not afforded special protection under CEQA, and other state, federal, and local laws, regulations and ordinances. These communities may, however, provide suitable habitat for some special-status plant or wildlife species and are identified or described in Section 4.1.1 below. 3.1.2 Sensitive Biological Communities Sensitive biological communities are defined as those communities that are given special protection under CEQA and other applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances. Applicable laws and ordinances are discussed above in Section 2.2. Special methods used to identify sensitive biological communities are discussed below.

Wetlands and Waters The Study Area was surveyed to determine if any wetlands and waters potentially subject to jurisdiction by the Corps, RWQCB, or CDFW were present. The assessment was based primarily on the presence of wetland plant indicators, but may also include any observed indicators of wetland hydrology or wetland soils. Any potential wetland areas were identified as areas dominated by plant species with a wetland indicator status1 of OBL, FACW, or FAC as given on the Corps’ National Wetlands Plant List (Lichvar 2014). Evidence of wetland hydrology can include direct evidence (primary indicators), such as visible inundation or saturation, algal mats, and oxidized root channels, or indirect (secondary) indicators, such as a water table within two feet of the soil surface during the dry season. Some indicators of wetland soils include dark colored soils, soils with a sulfidic odor, and soils that contain redoximorphic features as defined by the Corps Manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States (NRCS 2010). The preliminary waters assessment was based primarily on the presence of unvegetated, ponded areas or flowing water, or evidence indicating their presence such as a high water mark or a defined drainage course. Collection of additional data will be necessary to prepare a delineation report suitable for submission to the Corps. 1 OBL = Obligate, always found in wetlands (> 99% frequency of occurrence); FACW = Facultative wetland, usually found in wetlands (67-99% frequency of occurrence); FAC = Facultative, equal occurrence in wetland or non-wetlands (34-66% frequency of occurrence).

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Other Sensitive Biological Communities

The Study Area was evaluated for the presence of other sensitive biological communities, including riparian areas, sensitive plant communities recognized by CDFW and EACCS, and heritage trees. Prior to the site visit, aerial photographs, the List of Vegetation Alliances (CDFG 2009), and A Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et al. 2009) were reviewed to assess the potential for sensitive biological communities to occur in the Study Area. All alliances within the Study Area with a ranking of 1 through 3 were considered sensitive biological communities and mapped. These communities are described in Section 4.1.2 below.

3.2 Special-Status Species

3.2.1 Literature Review

Potential occurrence of special-status species in the Study Area was evaluated by first determining which special-status species occur in the vicinity of the Study Area through a literature and database search. Database searches for known occurrences of special-status species focused on the Dublin, Diablo, Livermore, Las Trampas Ridge, and Hayward USGS 7.5' quadrangles. The following sources were reviewed to determine which special-status plant and wildlife species have been documented to occur in the vicinity of the Study Area:

• California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) records (CDFW 2015)• USFWS IpaC search• CNPS Inventory records (CNPS 2015)• eBird records• Fairy Shrimps of California’s Puddles, Pools and Playas (Eriksen and Belk 1999)• CDFG publication “California’s Wildlife, Volumes I-III” (Zeiner et al. 1990)• CDFG publication “Amphibians and Reptile Species of Special Concern in California”

(Jennings 1994)• CDFG publication “California Bird Species of Special Concern” (Shuford and Gardali

2008) • A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians (Stebbins 2003)• Alameda County Breeding Bird Atlas (Richmond et al. 2011)• The East Alameda County Conservation Strategy (ICF 2010)

3.2.2 Site Assessment

A site visit was made to the Study Area to search for suitable habitats for special-status species. Habitat conditions observed in the Study Area were used to evaluate the potential for presence of special-status species based on these searches and the professional expertise of the investigating biologists. The potential for each special-status species to occur in the Study Area was then evaluated according to the following criteria:

• No Potential. Habitat on and adjacent to the site is clearly unsuitable for the speciesrequirements (foraging, breeding, cover, substrate, elevation, hydrology, plantcommunity, site history, disturbance regime).

• Unlikely. Few of the habitat components meeting the species requirements arepresent, and/or the majority of habitat on and adjacent to the site is unsuitable or ofvery poor quality. The species is not likely to be found on the site.

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• Moderate Potential. Some of the habitat components meeting the speciesrequirements are present, and/or only some of the habitat on or adjacent to the siteis unsuitable. The species has a moderate probability of being found on the site.

• High Potential. All of the habitat components meeting the species requirements arepresent and/or most of the habitat on or adjacent to the site is highly suitable. Thespecies has a high probability of being found on the site.

• Present. Species is observed on the site or has been recorded (i.e. CNDDB, otherreports) on the site recently.

The site assessment is intended to identify the presence or absence of suitable habitat for each special-status species known to occur in the vicinity in order to determine its potential to occur in the Study Area. The site visit does not constitute a protocol-level survey and is not intended to determine the actual presence or absence of a species; however, if a special-status species is observed during the site visit, its presence was recorded and discussed.

In cases where little information is known about species occurrences and habitat requirements, the species evaluation was based on best professional judgment of WRA biologists with experience working with the species and habitats. If necessary, recognized experts in individual species biology were contacted to obtain the most up to date information regarding species biology and ecology.

If a special-status species was observed during the site visit, its presence is recorded and discussed in Section 4.2. For some species, a site assessment visit at the level conducted for this report may not be sufficient to determine presence or absence of a species to the specifications of regulatory agencies. In these cases, a species may be assumed to be present or further protocol-level special-status species surveys may be necessary. Special-status species for which further protocol-level surveys may be necessary are described in Section 5.0.

4.0 RESULTS

The Study Area is located in an urban area that consists of a patchwork of developed residential areas interspersed with undeveloped, open areas. The Study Area is bordered to the north residential development and open space, to the east by residential development, to the south by the Interstate 580 Freeway, and to the west by residential development and open space. The majority of the site consists of developed land including school, church, and administrative buildings, sports facilities, parking areas and associated landscaping. The undeveloped portion of the Study Area is characterized by non-native annual grassland with ruderal stands of non-native mustards (Brassica nigra, and Hirschfeldia incana), and small portions of coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea) scrub. The majority of the undeveloped portions of the Study Area have been previously disturbed, graded or mowed. Elevations of the Study Area range from approximately 820 to approximately 550 feet above sea level.

The following sections present the results and discussion of the biological resources assessment within the Study Area.

4.1 Biological Communities

Table 2 summarizes the area of each biological community type observed in the Study Area. There are six non-sensitive biological communities in the Study Area. Three sensitive biological communities are found in the Study Area: Riparian Woodland, Coast Live Oak Woodland,

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and Ephemeral Stream. A description for each biological community is contained in the

following sections. Biological communities within the Study Area are shown in Figure 2.

Table 2. Summary of Biological Communities in the Study Area

Community Type Area (acres)

Non-Native Annual Grassland/Ruderal Vegetation 32.33

Developed Land 35.86 Coyote Brush Scrub 1.40 Riparian Woodland 0.57 Coast Live Oak Woodland 1.29 Ephemeral Stream 462 LF* Total Study Area Size 71.45

*this measurement is included within the 0.57-acre of riparian woodland

4.1.1 Non-Sensitive Biological Communities

Developed Land

Developed land within the Study Area consists of all portions of the Study Area not mapped as a natural community type. Developed land within the Study Area includes school, church, and administrative buildings, sports facilities, parking areas, Inspiration Drive, and associated landscaping. Much of these developed areas contain planted exotic vegetation, including common landscape tree and shrub species such as Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’), Raywood ash (Fraxinus angustifolia ‘Raywood’), Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), and oleander (Nerium oleander).

Non-Native Annual Grassland/Ruderal Vegetation

Non-native annual grassland comprises the majority of the Study Area and is composed of a mix of non-native annual grasses and other predominantly non-native herbaceous species. This community is similar to the non-native grassland community described by Holland (1986). Non-native annual grassland within the Study Area is dominated by slender oats (Avena barbata), Italian rye grass (Festuca perennis [Lolium multiflorum]), mouse barley (Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum), and longbeak stork’s bill (Erodium botrys).

Non-native grassland mapped within the Study Area also includes dense stands of ruderal herbaceous species, including black mustard (Brassica nigra), short podded mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), Italian thistle (Carduus pycnocephalus) and poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), all of which are listed as having “moderate” potential to cause negative ecological impacts by the Cal-IPC (2015). Native plant cover is less than 5% within the non-native annual

Dublin ValleyChristian Center

Alameda County,California

Figure 2.

Biological Communitieswithin the Study Area

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Study Area (71.45 acres)

Ephemeral Stream (462 linear ft.)

Developed Land (35.86 acres)

Non-native Annual Grassland/Ruderal Vegetation (32.33 acres)

Coyote Brush Scrub (1.40 acres)

Coast Live Oak Woodland (1.29 acres)

Riparian Woodland (0.57 acre)

0 150 300 Feet

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grassland. Wildlife species observed in this community in the Study Area were turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), common raven (Corvus corax), song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), and black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus).

Coyote Brush Scrub

Coyote brush scrub is scattered in small, fragmented portions throughout the Study Area, on both natural slopes and disturbed, previously graded areas. This community is similar to the Northern coyote brush scrub community described by Holland (1986) and the coyote brush scrub series described by Sawyer et al. (2009). The dominant plant in this community is coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea) and the understory is dominated by the non-native grasses and forbs also observed non-native annual grassland/ruderal vegetation community. This community is similar to the Northern coyote brush scrub community described by Holland (1986) and the coyote brush scrub series described by Sawyer et al. (2009).

4.1.2 Sensitive Biological Communities

Riparian Woodland

The riparian woodland occupies a small area near the southwest corner of the Study Area. This community is similar to the central coast live oak riparian forest community described by Holland (1986). The riparian woodland consists of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), valley oak (Quercus lobata), arroyo willow (Salix lasiolepis), and red willow (Salix laevigata). The understory consists of a mixture and native and non-native herbaceous species including California bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus), tall flatsedge (Cyperus eragrostis), and fiddle dock (Rumex pulcher). Riparian woodland is considered sensitive under the CEQA and is protected by the California Fish and Game Code (Section 1600 et seq.).

Coast Live Oak Woodland

Coast live oak woodland occupies a small, fragmented area in the northeast corner of the Study Area. This community is similar to the coast live oak woodland community described by Holland (1986). Coast live oak woodland is dominated by coast live oak, but also consists of California bay (Umbellularia californica), valley oak, and California buckeye (Aesculus californica). The understory is dominated by non-native grasses and forbs also observed non-native annual grassland/ruderal vegetation community. A portion of the area mapped as coast live oak woodland in the west part of the Study Area consists of planted oaks.

Ephemeral Stream

An ephemeral stream exists within the southwestern corner of the Study Area. The ephemeral stream is located in a concave, north to south drainage to the south and downhill from the baseball field. The ephemeral stream appears to be the result of a culvert system that drains the hillside to the north, and could potentially be fed by a seep as well. Water was present in the ephemeral stream during the site visit; however, the presence of a seep could not be confirmed, as the water appeared to originate from under a dense patch of poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), and Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). The ephemeral stream was intermittent during the time of the site visit, flowing down the south-facing hill and into a rock-lined trapezoidal ditch, at which point the water appeared to become subsurface flow. The trapezoidal ditch parallels the property boundary and feeds into a culvert where it flows into Dublin Creek.

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4.2 Special-Status Species 4.2.1 Plants Based upon a review of the resources and databases given in Section 3.2.1, 42 special-status plant species have been documented in the vicinity of the Study Area (Figure 3). The Study Area has the potential to support one of these species. Appendix B summarizes the potential for occurrence for each special-status plant species occurring in the vicinity of the Study Area. One special-status plant species, Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii) has a moderate potential to occur in the Study Area. The remaining species documented to occur in the vicinity of the Study Area are unlikely or have no potential to occur. The special-status plant species with moderate potential to occur in the Study Area is discussed below. Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii). CNPS Rank 1B.1. EACCS Focal Species. Moderate Potential. Congdon’s tarplant is an annual forb in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) that blooms from June to November. It occurs in terraces, swales, floodplains, grassland, and disturbed sites, sometimes alkaline, at elevations ranging from 0-990 feet (Baldwin et al. 2012, CDFW 2013, CNPS 2013). Congdon’s tarplant is known from 31 USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles in Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, and Solano counties (CNPS 2013). Two tarplant individuals (Centromadia sp.) were observed in the northeast portion of the Study Area in a disturbed ruderal field used for heavy equipment storage. This area is mapped on Figure 2 as an island of non-native annual grassland/ruderal vegetation surrounded by developed land. The tarplant individuals observed in this area during the site visit were unidentifiable due to the timing of the site visit and the absence of mature inflorescences. To assure absence, rare plant surveys are recommended. 4.2.2 Wildlife Thirty-five special-status species of wildlife have been recorded in the vicinity of the Study Area (Figure 4). Appendix B summarizes the potential for each of these species to occur in the Study Area. No special-status wildlife species were observed in the Study Area during the site assessment. No special-status wildlife species have a high potential to occur in the Study Area, and six special-status wildlife species have a moderate potential to occur in the Study Area, including one EACCS focal species. Special-status wildlife species that have a moderate potential to occur in the Study Area are discussed below. In addition, Federal-listed species unlikely to occur within the Study Area but that are known to the region are further discussed. Species with a Moderate Potential to Occur within the Study Area White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus), CDFW Fully Protected Species. Kites occur in low elevation grassland, agricultural, wetland, oak woodland, and savannah habitats. Riparian zones adjacent to open areas are also used. Vegetative structure and prey availability seem to be more important than specific associations with plant species or vegetative communities. Lightly grazed or ungrazed fields generally support large prey populations and are often preferred to other habitats. Kites primarily feed on small mammals, although, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects are also taken. Nest trees range from single isolated trees to trees within large contiguous forests. Preferred nest trees are extremely variable, ranging from small shrubs (less than 10 ft. tall), to large trees (greater than 150 ft. tall). (Dunk 1995). The Study

Figure 3. Special Status Plant Species Occurrences within 5-miles of Study Area


Path: L:\Acad 2000 Files\24000\24337\GIS\ArcMap\CNDDB Plant.mxd

Map Prepared Date: 6/4/2015Map Prepared By: MRochelleBase Source: Esri, National GeographicData Source(s): CNDDB June 2015

0 1 20.5

Miles

Study Area

5-mile Buffer

Congdon's tarplant

Diablo helianthella

hairless popcornflower

Mt. Diablo buckwheat

Oregon polemonium

saline clover

San Joaquin spearscale

Figure 4. Special Status Wildlife Species Occurrences within 5-miles of Study Area


Path: L:\Acad 2000 Files\24000\24337\GIS\ArcMap\CNDDB Wildlife.mxd

Map Prepared Date: 6/4/2015Map Prepared By: MRochelleBase Source: Esri, National GeographicData Source(s): CNDDB June 2015

0 1 20.5

Miles

Study Area

Sensitive Occurrence #'s- Alameda whipsnake 7,10,17,21-23,31,32,35,38-44,46,50 64-67,71,73,75-81,83-85,90,91,94,124-127,135-144,154- prairie falcon 468,470,491

5-mile Buffer

American badger

burrowing owl

California horned lark

California linderiella

California red-legged frog

California tiger salamander

pallid bat

San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat

San Joaquin kit fox

sharp-shinned hawk

tricolored blackbird

western pond turtle

Yuma myotis

white-tailed kite

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Area contains grassland foraging habitat for this species, and shrubs and riparian vegetation may support nesting. Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), CDFW Species of Special Concern, USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern. A common resident of lowlands and foothills throughout California, this species prefers open habitats with scattered trees, shrubs, posts, fences, utility lines, or other perches. Nests are usually built on a stable branch in a densely-foliaged shrub or small tree. This species is found most often in open-canopied valley foothill hardwood, conifer, pinyon-juniper, or desert riparian habitats. While this species eats mostly arthropods, it also takes amphibians, small reptiles, small mammals or birds, and is also known to scavenge on carrion (Yosef 1996). The grasslands within the Study Area provide suitable foraging habitat for this species, and there is a moderate potential for this species to nest in shrubs or other dense woody vegetation.

Grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), CDFW Species of Special Concern. Grasshopper sparrow generally prefers moderately open grasslands and prairies with patchy bare ground. It selects different components of vegetation, depending on grassland ecosystem. This sparrow typically avoids grasslands with extensive shrub cover, although some level of shrub cover is important for birds in western regions (Vickery 1996). Grasshopper sparrow is a ground-nesting bird. This species feeds primarily on insects (Vickery 1996). This species has the potential to forage and nest within the grassland portions of the Study Area that are not mowed and provide suitable cover to conceal ground nests. Nuttall’s woodpecker (Picoides nuttallii), USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern. Nuttall’s Woodpecker, common in much of its range, is a year-round resident throughout most of California west of the Sierra Nevada. Typical habitat is oak or mixed woodland, and riparian areas (Lowther 2000). Nesting occurs in tree cavities, principally those of oaks and larger riparian trees. This species forages on a variety of arboreal invertebrates. The riparian habitats and coast live oak trees within the Study Area provide suitable habitat for foraging and nesting in this species. Oak titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus), USFWS Bird of Conservation Concern. This relatively common species is year-round resident throughout much of California including most of the coastal slope, the Central Valley and the western Sierra Nevada foothills. Its primary habitat is woodland dominated by oaks. Local populations have adapted to woodlands of pines and/or junipers in some areas (Cicero 2000). The oak titmouse nests in tree cavities, usually natural cavities or those excavated by woodpeckers, though they may partially excavate their own (Cicero 2000). Seeds and arboreal invertebrates make up the birds’ diet. The riparian habitats and coast live oak trees within the Study Area provide suitable habitat for foraging and nesting in this species. California red-legged frog (CRLF; Rana draytonii). Federal Threatened, CDFW Species of Special Concern, EACCS Focal Species. The current distribution of this species includes only isolated localities in the Sierra Nevada, northern Coast and Northern Traverse Ranges. It is still common in the San Francisco Bay Area and along the central coast (USFWS 2002). Aquatic breeding habitat consists of low-gradient fresh water bodies, including natural and manmade (e.g., stock) ponds, backwaters within streams and creeks, and marshes. Upland habitats include areas within 200 feet of aquatic and riparian habitat and are comprised of grasslands, woodlands, and/or vegetation that provide shelter, forage, and predator avoidance. These upland features provide feeding, and sheltering habitat for juvenile and adult frogs (e.g., shelter, shade, moisture, cooler temperatures, a prey base, foraging opportunities, and areas for

18

predator avoidance). Upland habitat can include structural features such as boulders, rocks, and organic debris (e.g. downed trees, logs), as well as small mammal burrows and moist leaf litter (USFWS 2010). Dispersal habitat includes upland or riparian habitats within 1 mile of each other that allow for movement between these sites. Dispersal habitat includes various natural and altered habitats such as agricultural fields, which do not contain barriers to dispersal. Moderate to high density urban or industrial developments, large reservoirs and heavily traveled roads without bridges or culverts are considered barriers to dispersal (USFWS 2010).

The Study Area does not contain suitable pools for CRLF breeding habitat. However, the nearest breeding habitat is a stock pond 0.6 mile west of the Study Area, which contained CRLF tadpoles in 1995 (CDFW 2015). The riparian areas along the southern portion of the Study Area connect to this breeding pond, and CRLF may use this area as aquatic non breeding habitat. Additionally, CRLF may be found in adjacent uplands that provide shade or other shelter up to 200 feet from the wet portions of the riparian areas.

Federal-listed Species Documented in the Vicinity but Unlikely to Occur within the Study Area San Joaquin kit fox (SJKF; Vulpes macrotis mutica). Federal Endangered, State Threatened, EACCS Focal Species. SJKF is found in the San Joaquin Valley and in surrounding foothills, from Alameda County east to Stanislaus County. It is a desert-adapted species which occurs mainly in arid, flat grasslands, scrublands, and alkali meadows where the vegetation structure is relatively short (generally less than 1.5 feet tall) (USFWS 1998). This species uses dens year-round and needs loose-textured soils suitable for burrowing (Grinnell et al. 1937). Kit fox prey consists primarily of kangaroo rats and other small rodents, as well as large insects and occasionally rabbits (USFWS 1998). SJKF has been extirpated from much of its historic range and is now only found in the southern and eastern portions of its historic range and a study by Sproul and Flett (1993) indicates that the species is absent west of the Altamont Hills.

Although portions of the grassland habitat may be suitable for SJKF, there are no recent occurrences or observations in the area (CDFW 2015, Sproul and Flett 1993). Additionally, the Study Area is surrounded on three sides by development, rendering the site unlikely to be colonized by this species. Furthermore, no potential dens were observed during the May 2015 site visit.

California Tiger Salamander (CTS; Ambystoma californiense), Federal Threatened, State Threatened Species, EACCS Focal Species. CTS is a California endemic species and historically occurred in grassland habitats throughout much of the state. This species inhabits valley and foothill grasslands and the grassy understory of open woodlands, usually within 1 mile of water (Jennings and Hayes 1994). CTS requires two primary habitat components: aquatic breeding sites and upland terrestrial refuge sites. Adult CTS spend most of their time underground in upland subterranean refugia. Underground retreats usually consist of ground-squirrel burrows, but also under logs and piles of lumber (Holland et al. 1990, Trenham 2001). CTS emerges from underground to breed and lay eggs primarily in vernal pools and other ephemeral water bodies. Adults migrate from upland habitats to aquatic breeding sites during the first major rainfall events, between November and February (Shaffer and Fisher 1991, Barry and Shaffer 1994), and return to upland habitats after breeding.

Vehicular related mortality is an important threat to CTS populations (Barry and Shaffer 1994, Jennings and Hayes 1994). CTS will readily attempt to cross roads during migration, and roads

19

that sustain heavy vehicle traffic or barriers that impede seasonal migrations may have impacted CTS populations in some areas (Shaffer and Fisher 1991, Shaffer and Stanley 1992, Barry and Shaffer 1994). This species is unlikely to occur within the Study Area. Generally, CTS is rare in the hills west of Dublin (CDFW 2015). The nearest documented occurrence of this species to the Study Area is 2.5 miles southwest of the Study Area, across the insurmountable barrier to dispersal that is Interstate 580 (CDFW 2015). All other documented occurrences of the species within 5 miles of the Study Area are across the City of Dublin and are at least 4.3 miles from the site. CTS has been found a maximum of 1.3 miles from the nearest available breeding habitat, so these distant occurrences are not applicable to the Study Area (USFWS 2004). The nearest potential breeding pond is a stock pond 0.6 mile to the west of the Study Area. However, this pond and other ponds within 2.5 miles of this pond do not have any documented occurrences of CTS. Additionally, 95 % of non-dispersing CTS are found within 640 meters (0.4 mile) of breeding pools (Trenham and Shaffer 2005). If CTS is present at this stock pond, it is first unlikely that resident individuals of the pond will venture into the Study Area because the Study Area is over 0.4 mile from the pond. Second, it is also unlikely that CTS will successfully disperse into or through the Study Area due to distance from the pond to the Study Area, lack of suitable burrows within the Study Area to support aestivation (none were observed during the May 2015 site visit), and lack of connectivity to other breeding pools because the Study Area is surrounded by development in all directions except to the west. Therefore, it is unlikely that CTS will occur within the Study Area, and in the unlikely event that CTS does occur, avoidance and minimization measures for CRLF will be sufficient to avoid and minimize impacts to CTS individuals. Alameda Whipsnake (AWS; Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus), Federal Threatened Species, State Threatened Species, EACCS Focal Species. The range of the Alameda whipsnake is restricted to the inner Coast Range in western and central Contra Costa and Alameda Counties (USFWS 2006). The historical range of AWS has been fragmented into 5 disjunct populations: Tilden-Briones, Oakland-Las Trampas, Hayward-Pleasanton Ridge, Sunol-Cedar Mountain, and the Mount Diablo-Black Hills (USFWS 2006). The Alameda whipsnake is associated with scrub communities with a mosaic of open and closed canopy; woodland or annual grassland plant communities including mixed chaparral, chamise-redshank chaparral, coastal scrub; and annual grassland and oak woodlands that lie adjacent to scrub habitats that contain areas of rock outcroppings. Rock outcroppings are important as they are a favored location for lizard prey. Whipsnakes frequently venture into adjacent habitats, including grassland, oak savanna, and occasionally oak-bay woodland. The Study Area does not contain woodland or scrub habitats or rocky outcroppings to support this species, nor is it adjacent to these necessary physical and biological conditions. Additionally, the Study Area does not serve as a corridor to existing suitable habitat because it is surrounded on three sides by suburban development, an effective barrier to dispersal that isolates the Study Area from access by this species. In summary, no special-status wildlife species were observed during the May 20, 2015 site visit, and six special-status wildlife species have a moderate potential to occur within the Study Area.

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5.0 SUMMARY AND RECCOMENDATIONS Three sensitive biological communities were identified within the Study Area: riparian woodland, coast live oak woodland and ephemeral stream. No special-status plant species and no special-status wildlife species were observed within the Study Area. One special-status plant species and six special-status wildlife species have a moderate potential to occur within the Study Area, one of which is an EACCS focal species. Most of the Study Area is dominated by non-native annual grassland and ruderal herbaceous stands, which are not sensitive habitats under CEQA. However, non-native annual grassland and ruderal herbaceous stands do provide habitat for some special-status plant and wildlife species.

Institutional development is proposed to occur within the Study Area, though final plans have not yet been provided to WRA. Recommendations to avoid impacts to sensitive species and communities, including further studies, are therefore general in nature. Recommendations are discussed in the following sections. 5.1 Biological Communities Most of the Study Area is comprised of developed land and non-native annual grassland/ruderal vegetation. Although non-native annual grassland and developed land are not sensitive biological communities under CEQA, they may provide habitat for special-status plant and wildlife species. Such species will require mitigation if found on the site. However, the Study Area does contain 1.29 acres of coast live oak woodland, which is potentially sensitive under the Oak Woodland Conservation Act; 0.57 acre of riparian woodland, which is potentially within the jurisdiction of CDFW under Sections 1600-1616 of California Fish and Game Code; and 462 linear feet of ephemeral stream, which is potentially within the jurisdiction of the Corps under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and the RWQCB under the Porter Cologne Act and Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. Additionally, trees within the riparian woodland, coast live oak woodland and developed area may be subject to the City of Dublin Heritage Tree Ordinance if part of an “approved development plan, zoning permit, use permit, site development review, or subdivision map” or if planted as “replacement for an unlawfully removed tree.” The Study Area contains an ephemeral stream that could be within the jurisdiction of the RWQCB under the Porter Cologne Act and Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The conversion of ephemeral streams to developed land is a potentially significant impact under CEQA that could require mitigation efforts and regulatory permits. Therefore, before continuing development in the Study Area, a formal jurisdictional wetlands delineation is recommended to determine whether the potential seasonal wetlands in the Study Area are jurisdictional wetlands. The creek may also be subject to jurisdiction by CDFW under Sections 1600-1616 of California Fish and Game Code. 5.2 Special-Status Plant Species Of the 42 special-status plant species known to occur in the vicinity of the Study Area, one species, Congdon’s tarplant, has a moderate potential to occur in the Study Area. Most of the species found in the review of background literature occur in high quality vernal pool habitat, in different plant communities, often at higher elevations, or in high quality grassland habitat. Due to the history of disturbance, and predominance of non-native ruderal species, the grassland

21

and woodlands in the Study Area are likely of too low quality to support the majority of these other special-status plant species.

Congdon’s tarplant is considered to have a moderate potential to occur within the Study Area. Two tarplant individuals (Centromadia sp.) were observed in the northeast portion of the Study Area in a disturbed ruderal field used for heavy equipment storage. This area is mapped on Figure 2 as an island of non-native annual grassland/ruderal vegetation surrounded by developed land. The tarplant individuals observed in this area during the site visit were unidentifiable to species level due to the timing of the site visit and the absence of mature inflorescences.

Given the presence of other Centromadia species in the region, it is likely that these individuals are not Condon’s tarplant and instead common tarweed, (Centromadia pungens ssp. pungens), a non-listed species.

Due to the very low number of individuals present, and the presence of larger populations of Congdon’s tarplant in the region, these two individuals do not represent a significant population and loss of these plants would not be considered significant under CEQA. To ensure absence of a greater population on-site, rare plant surveys for this species is recommended during the blooming season (May through October, peaking in August).

5.3 Special-Status Wildlife Species

Of the 35 special-status wildlife species known to occur in the vicinity of the Study Area, six were determined to have the potential to occur in the Study Area. Most of the species found in the review of background literature occur in habitats not found in the Study Area. Habitat suitability for many grassland-associated species in the Study Area is reduced due to the sloped nature of the site, and surrounding development and Interstate 580 acting as a barrier to dispersal. These factors have also dramatically reduced or eliminated the potential for many riparian and aquatic species to occur on the site. Bats are also unlikely to roost within the Study Area due to the lack of suitable roost structures present, and the few trees that may support roosting are located in the riparian areas in the southern portion of the Study Area and will not be affected by future project activities. No vernal pool or equivalent habitats are present to support vernal pool crustaceans. Recommendations to reduce potential impacts to special-status species to a less-than-significant level are described below.

5.3.1 Special-Status Birds and Other Avian Species

This assessment determined that seven additional special-status bird species may use the Study Area and immediately adjacent areas for either breeding and/or foraging. In addition, most commonly found native bird species are protected by the MBTA, California Fish and Game Code, and CEQA during the nesting season. If work is to be conducted during the nesting season (February 1 - August 31), pre-construction nesting bird surveys should be conducted no more than 14 days prior to initial ground disturbance to avoid impacting active nests, eggs, and/or young of ground-nesting birds. Nesting habitat may include grasslands, shrubs, trees, snags and buildings. If any active nests are found, a suitable buffer is established for protection of the nest and young. Buffer distance will vary based on species and conditions at the site, but is usually at least 50 feet, and up to 250 feet for raptors. Impacts to nesting birds can be

http://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-taxon=Centromadia+pungens+ssp.+pungens

22

avoided if activities which may affect nesting are initiated outside of the nesting season (September 1 - January 31).

5.3.2 California red-legged frog

There is no aquatic breeding or for CRLF within the Study Area. However, CRLF may inhabit the wet riparian areas and uplands within the Study Area 200 feet of these wet areas. Avoidance measures may include a worker education program and installation of a wildlife exclusion fence around the areas that could potentially contain CRLF. Impacts to these areas may require consultation with the USFWS and compensatory mitigation.

6.0 REFERENCES

Baldwin, BG, DH Goldman, DJ Keil, R Patterson, TJ Rosatti, and DH Wilken (eds.). 2012. The Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.

Barry, S. J. and H. B. Shaffer. 1994. The status of the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense) at Lagunita: a 50-year update. Journal of Herpetology 28:159-164.

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 2010. List of Vegetation Alliances and Associations. Vegetation Classification and Mapping Program, Sacramento, CA.

California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). 1994. A Field Guide to Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreements, Sections 1600-1607, California Fish and Game Code. Environmental Services Division, Sacramento, CA.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2015. California Natural Diversity Database. Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch, Sacramento, CA.

California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC). 2015. California Invasive Plant Inventory Database. California Invasive Plant Council, Berkeley, CA. Online at: http://www.cal-ipc.org/ip/inventory/index.php; most recently accessed: June 1, 2015.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2015. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. Online at: http://www.rareplants.cnps.org; most recently accessed: June 1, 2015.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2015. A Manual of California Vegetation, Online Edition. http://www.cnps.org/cnps/vegetation/; searched on June 1, 2015. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, CA.

City of Dublin. 2015. Dublin Municipal Code Heritage Tree Ordinance. Chapter 5.6 (Ord. 5-02 § 2 (part): Ord. 29-99 § 1 (part)). Online at: http://www.codepublishing.com/ca/dublin.html; most recently accessed June 1, 2015

City of Dublin. 2014. City of Dublin General Plan. Community Development Department. 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA. Adopted February 11, 1985. Amended as of November 18, 2014.

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Dunk, J. R. 1995. White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus). In The Birds of North America, No. 178

(A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and The American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, D.C.

eBird. 2015. eBird: An online database of bird distribution and abundance [web application].

eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. Available: http://www.ebird.org; most recently accessed; May 2015.

Environmental Laboratory. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual.

Department of the Army, Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39180-0631.

Erikson, CH and D Belk. 1999. Fairy Shrimps of California’s Puddles, Ponds and Playas. Mad

River Press, Inc., Eureka, CA. Google Earth. 2015. Aerial Imagery 1993-2015. Most recently accessed: May 2015.

Holland, RF. 1986. Preliminary Descriptions of the Terrestrial Natural Communities of California. Prepared for the California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.

ICF International. 2010. East Alameda County Conservation Strategy. Final Draft. October.

(ICF 00906.08.) San Jose, CA. Prepared for: East Alameda County Conservation Strategy Steering Committee, Livermore, CA.

Holland, D. C., M. P. Hayes, and E. McMillan. 1990. Late summer movement and mass

mortality in the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense). Southwestern Naturalist 35:217-220.

Jennings, M. R., and M. P. Hayes. 1994. Amphibian and reptile species of special concern in

California. Final Report to the California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, CA. 225 pp.

Jepson Flora Project (eds.). 2015. Jepson eFlora. Online at:

http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/IJM.html; most recently accessed June 1, 2015. Lichvar, R.W., M. Butterwick, N.C. Melvin, and W.N. Kirchner. 2014. The National Wetland Plant

List: 2014 Update of Wetland Ratings. Phytoneuron 2014-41: 1-42

Lichvar, RW. 2012. The National Wetland Plant List. Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Research and Development Center. Hanover, NH. October 2012.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 2010. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, version 7.0. In cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils, Fort Worth, TX.

NatureServe. 2010. NatureServe Conservation Status. Available online at:

http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/ranking.

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Richmond, B., H. Green, and D.C. Rice. 2011. Alameda County Breeding Bird Atlas. Golden Gate Audubon Society and Ohlone Audubon Society. Dakota Press, San Leandro, CA.

Sawyer, J, T Keeler-Wolf and J Evens. 2009. A Manual of California Vegetation. California

Native Plant Society, Berkeley, CA. Shaffer, H. B., and R. Fisher. 1991. Final report to the California Department of Fish and Game;

California Tiger Salamander surveys, 1990-Contract (FG 9422). California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, California.

Shaffer, H. B., and S. Stanley. 1992. Final report to California Department of Fish and Game;

California Tiger Salamander Surveys, 1991-Contract (FG 9422). California Department of Fish and Game, Inland Fisheries Division, Rancho Cordova, California.

Shuford, WD, and T Gardali (eds). 2008. California Bird Species of Special Concern: A ranked

assessment of species, subspecies, and distinct populations of birds of immediate conservation concern in California. Studies of Western Birds 1. Western Field Ornithologists, Camarillo, California, and CDFG, Sacramento.

Sproul, M.J. and M.A. Flett. 1993. Status of the San Joaquin kit fox in the northwest margin of

its range. 1993 Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society 29:61-69.

Stebbins, RC. 2003. A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, third edition. The Peterson Field Guide Series, Houghton Mifflin Company, NY.

Trenham, P.C. 2001. Terrestrial habitat use by adult California Tiger Salamanders. Journal of

Herpetology 35:343-346. Trenham, P.C. and H.B. Shaffer. 2005. Amphibian upland habitat use and its consequences for

population viability. Ecological Applications 15(4):1158-1168. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). 2008. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers

Wetland Delineation Manual: Arid West Region. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers Jurisdictional Determination Form Instructional Guidebook. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

2015. Web Soil Survey. Online at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov; most recently accessed: June 3, 2015..

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

2010. Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, Version 7.0. G. W. Hurt and L. M. Vasilas (eds.). In cooperation with the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils.

[USFWS] United States Fish and Wildlife Service. 2015. Information for Conservation and

Planning Database. Available online at: https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/; most recently accessed: May 2015.

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USFWS. 2010. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for California Red-legged Frog; Final Rule. Federal Register, Vol. 75, No. 51. 12815-12959.

USFWS. 2002. Recovery plan for the California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii). U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, OR.

USFWS. 1998. Recovery plan for upland species of the San Joaquin Valley, California, Region 1, Portland Oregon. 295 pp.

Vickery, Peter D. 1996. Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online: http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/239

Zeiner, DC, WF Laudenslayer, Jr., KE Mayer, and M White. 1990. California's Wildlife, Volume

I-III: Amphibians and Reptiles, Birds, Mammals. California Statewide Wildlife Habitat Relationships System, California Department of Fish and Game, Sacramento, CA.

http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/239

APPENDIX A

LIST OF OBSERVED PLANT AND WILDLIFE SPECIES

B-1

Appendix B. Species observed in the Study Area on May 20, 2015

Family Scientific Name Common Name Origin

Plants

Adoxaceae (Caprifoliaceae)

Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea [S. mexicana]

blue elderberry native

Agavaceae (Liliaceae)

Chlorogalum pomeridianum var. pomeridianum

common soap plant native

Anacardiaceae Toxicodendron diversilobum

poison oak native

Apiaceae Conium maculatum poison hemlock non-native

Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare fennel non-native

Apiaceae Torilis arvensis hedge parsley non-native

Asteraceae Achillea millefolium common yarrow native

Asteraceae Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea

coyote brush native

Asteraceae Carduus pycnocephalus Italian thistle non-native

Asteraceae Centaurea melitensis tocalote non-native

Asteraceae Centaurea solstitialis yellow star thistle non-native

Asteraceae Centromadia sp. tarweed native

Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare bull thistle non-native

Asteraceae Dittrichia graveolens stinkwort non-native

Asteraceae Helminthotheca echioides [Picris e.]

bristly ox-tongue non-native

B-2


Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata hairy catsear non-native

Asteraceae Lactuca serriola prickly lettuce non-native

Asteraceae Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum [Gnaphalium l.]

Jersey cudweed non-native

Asteraceae Silybum marianum milk thistle non-native

Asteraceae Sonchus asper ssp. asper

prickly sow thistle non-native

Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus common sow thistle non-native

Boraginaceae Amsinckia retrorsa rigid fiddleneck native

Brassicaceae Brassica nigra black mustard non-native

Brassicaceae Hirschfeldia incana short podded mustard non-native

Brassicaceae Nasturtium officinale [Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum]

watercress native

Caryophyllaceae Herniaria hirsuta var. cinerea

hairy rupturewort non-native

Cyperaceae Cyperus eragrostis tall flatsedge native

Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus californicus

California bulrush native

Fabaceae Acmispon sp. lotus native

Fabaceae Lupinus albifrons var. collinus

silver lupine native

Fabaceae Lupinus succulentus hollowleaf annual lupine native

B-3


Fabaceae Medicago polymorpha bur medic non-native

Fabaceae Vicia villosa ssp. villosa winter vetch non-native

Fagaceae Quercus agrifolia var. agrifolia

coast live oak native

Fagaceae Quercus lobata valley oak native

Geraniaceae Erodium botrys longbeak stork's bill non-native

Geraniaceae Geranium dissectum cutleaf geranium non-naitve

Lauraceae Umbellularia californica California bay native

Malvaceae Malva nicaeensis bull mallow non-native

Myrsinaceae Lysimachia arvensis [Anagallis a.]

scarlet pimpernel non-native

Oleaceae Olea europaea olive non-native

Orobanchaceae (Scrophulariaceae)

Bellardia trixago Mediterranean lineseed non-native

Papaveraceae Eschscholzia californica California poppy native

Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata English plantain non-native

Plantaginaceae Plantago major common plantain non-native

Poaceae Avena barbata slender oat non-native

Poaceae Cortaderia jubata Pampas grass non-native

Poaceae Festuca arundinacea tall fescue non-native

Poaceae Festuca perennis [Lolium multiflorum; L. perenne]

Italian rye grass non-native

B-4


Poaceae Hordeum marinum ssp. gussoneanum

Mediterranean barley non-native

Poaceae Hordeum murinum ssp. leporinum

mouse barley non-native

Poaceae Polypogon monspeliensis rabbit's-foot grass non-native

Poaceae Stipa pulchra purple needlegrass native

Polygonaceae Rumex crispus curly dock non-native

Polygonaceae Rumex pulcher fiddle dock non-native

Rosaceae Prunus cerasifera cherry plum non-native

Rosaceae Rubus armeniacus Himalayan blackberry non-native

Rosaceae Rubus ursinus California blackberry native

Salicaceae Salix laevigata red willow native

Salicaceae Salix lasiolepis arroyo willow native

Sapindaceae (Hippocastanaceae)

Aesculus californica California buckeye native

Animals

Scientific Name Common Name

Cathartes aura turkey vulture

Corvus corax common raven

Meleagris gallopavo wild turkey

Melospiza melodia song sparrow

B-5

Odocoileus hemonius black-tailed deer

Sciurius niger fox squirrel

Zenaida macroura mourning dove

APPENDIX B

POTENTIAL FOR SPECIAL-STATUS SPECIES TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA

B-1

Appendix B. Potential for special-status plant and wildlife species to occur in the Study Area. List compiled from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Information for Conservation and Planning Database, a search of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Natural Diversity Database (CDFW 2015) and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants for the Dublin, Diablo, Livermore, Las Trampas Ridge, and Hayward USGS 7.5' quadrangles (CNPS 2015), a review of historical and current satellite imagery via Google Earth (2015) and a review of the East Alameda County Conservation Strategy (EACCS 2010), and other CDFW lists and publications (Jennings and Hayes 1994, Zeiner et al. 1990, and Jameson and Peters 2004).

SPECIES STATUS* HABITAT POTENTIAL FOR OCCURRENCE

RECOMMENDATIONS

Mammals San Joaquin kit fox Vulpes macrotis mutica

FE, ST, RP, EACCS

Annual grasslands or grassy open stages with scattered shrubby vegetation. Need loose-textured sandy soils for burrowing, and suitable prey base.

Unlikely. The Study Area contains and is adjacent to potentially suitable grassland habitat, and relatively recent (i.e., 1990s) CNDDB occurrences are present within ten miles of the Study Area to the northeast . However, a study in the general vicinity of the Study Area found this species to be absent west of the Altamont Hills (Sproul and Flett 1993).

No further actions are recommended for this species.

B-2


RECOMMENDATIONS

American badger Taxidea taxus

SSC, EACCS

Most abundant in drier open stages of most shrub, forest, and herbaceous habitats, with friable soils. Requires friable soils and open, uncultivated ground. Preys on burrowing rodents.

Unlikely. Suitable grassland habitat for this species is located in portions of the Study Area. However, no signs of badger or California ground squirrels (a primary prey source) were observed during the May 2015 site visit. Additionally, the Study Area is surrounded on three sides by suburban development, rendering the site unlikely to be colonized, and the nearest documented occurrence is 4.7 miles northeast of the Study Area across the City of Dublin (CDFW 2015).


Ringtail (ring-tailed cat) Bassariscus astutus

CFP Is widely distributed throughout most of California, but absent from some portions of the Central Valley and northeastern California. The species is nocturnal, primarily carnivorous and is associated with a mixture of dry forest and shrubland in close association with rocky areas and riparian habitat, using hollow trees and cavities for shelter. Usually not found more than 1 km (0.6 mi) from permanent water.

Unlikely. The riparian areas within the Study Area are scattered and not connected with larger contiguous riparian habitats favored by this species.


B-3


RECOMMENDATIONS

San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat Neotoma fuscipes annectens

SSC Found in both chaparral and forest habitats with a moderate canopy and moderate to dense understory. Constructs nests of shredded grass, leaves, and other material. May be limited by availability of nest-building materials.

Unlikely. Riparian habitats within the Study Area are fragmented and do not contain large areas of canopy cover. No woodrat nests were observed during the May 2015 site visit.


Berkeley kangaroo rat Dipodomys heermanni berkeleyenis

SSC Open grassy hilltops and open spaces in chaparral and blue oak/digger pine woodland. Needs fine, deep, well-drained soil for burrowing.

No Potential. Presumed extinct.


pallid bat Antrozous pallidus

SSC, WBWG:

High

Occupies a variety of habitats at low elevation including grassland, shrubland, woodland, and forest. Most common in open, dry habitats and commonly roosts in fissures in cliffs, abandoned buildings, and under bridges

Unlikely. Most trees in the Study Area are too small to be considered potential roosts, and all of the largest trees are located in the southern riparian areas and will not be affected by the Project. This species may forage over the Study Area.


hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus

WBWG: Medium

Prefers open habitats or habitat mosaics, with access to trees for cover and open areas or habitat edges for feeding. Roosts in dense foliage of medium to large trees. Feeds primarily on moths. Requires water.

Unlikely. Most trees in the Study Area are too small to be considered potential roosts, and all of the largest trees are located in the southern riparian areas and will not be affected by the Project. This species may forage over the Study Area.


B-4


RECOMMENDATIONS

Townsend’s big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii

SC, SSC, WBWG:

High

Primarily found in rural settings in a wide variety of habitats including oak woodland and mixed coniferous-deciduous forest. Day roosts highly associated with caves and mines. Building roost sites must be cave like. Very sensitive to human disturbance.

Unlikely. Typical undisturbed cavernous roost sites are not present in the Study Area; however, the species may forage over the Study Area.


western mastiff bat Eumops perotis californicus

SSC, WBWG:

High

Found in a wide variety of open, arid and semi-arid habitats. Distribution appears to be tied to large rock structures which provide suitable roosting sites, including cliff crevices and cracks in boulders.

Unlikely. Typical rocky roost sites are not present in the Study Area; however, this species may forage over the Study Area.


Birds golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos

CFP, EPA, BCC,

EACCS

Resident in rolling foothills, mountain areas, sage-juniper flats, and desert. Cliff-walled canyons provide nesting habitat in most parts of range; also nests in large trees in open areas.

Unlikely. The Study Area and surrounding areas do not contain rocky areas or large trees that comprise suitable nesting habitat. Additionally, the Study Area is over 5 miles from the nearest documented nesting occurrence (CDFW 2015). However, the Study Area provides foraging habitat, therefore individuals may occasionally fly over the Study Area.


B-5


RECOMMENDATIONS

ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis

BCC Winter visitor. Frequents open habitats including grasslands, sagebrush flats, desert scrub, low foothills surrounding valleys and fringes of pinyon-juniper habitats. Preys on rodents and other vertebrates.

Unlikely. The Study Area provides suitable foraging habitat for wintering birds; however this species does not breed in the region.


Swainson’s hawk Buteo swainsonii

ST, BCC Summer resident in the region. Forages in grasslands and nests in the immediate vicinity, often in relatively isolated, trees or tree groves. Most of the California population breeds in the Central Valley. Forages on insects and rodents, also other vertebrates.

Unlikely. The trees within the Study Area are generally too small to support nesting by this species. The Study Area is also west of this species’ typical range.


northern harrier Circus cyaneus

SSC Nests and forages in grassland habitats, usually in association with coastal salt and freshwater marshes. Nests on ground in shrubby vegetation, usually at marsh edge; nest built of a large mound of sticks in wet areas. May also occur in alkali desert sinks.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain typical flat wetland habitats associated with nesting in the species. However, the Study Area provides foraging habitat, therefore individuals may occasionally fly over the Study Area.


white-tailed kite Elanus leucurus

CFP Year-round resident in coastal and valley lowlands with scattered trees and large shrubs, including grasslands, marshes and agricultural areas. Nests in trees, of which the type and setting are highly variable. Preys on small mammals and other vertebrates.

Moderate Potential. The Study Area provides open foraging habitat, and the shrubs and riparian vegetation may support nesting.

Work windows and/or pre-construction surveys.

B-6


RECOMMENDATIONS

prairie falcon Falco mexicanus

BCC Inhabits dry, open terrain, either level or hilly. Breeding sites located on cliffs. Forages far afield, even to marshlands and ocean shores.

Unlikely. The Study Area and surrounding areas do not provide typical cliff nesting habitat. This species may forage within the vicinity of the Study Area.


burrowing owl Athene cunicularia

BCC, SSC, EACCS

Inhabits, dry annual or perennial grassland, desert and scrubland characterized by low-growing vegetation. Subterranean nester, dependent upon burrowing mammals, most notably California ground squirrel.

Unlikely. While the Study Area contains some flat mowed grassland suitable for burrowing owl, no suitably-sized burrows or ground squirrels were observed within the Study Area during the May 2015 site visit, effectively precluding presence. The majority of the grassland on the site is not short and is sloped, reducing its quality. Additionally, all documented burrowing owl occurrences in the vicinity of the Study Area are in the eastern portion of the City of Dublin in lowland areas; none are in the East Bay Hills where the Study Area is located, suggesting this species does not inhabit the region (CDFW 2015, Ebird 2015).


B-7


RECOMMENDATIONS

loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus

BCC, SSC Found in broken woodlands, savannah, pinyon-juniper, Joshua tree and riparian woodlands, and desert oases, scrub, and washes. Prefers open country for hunting, with perches for scanning, and fairly dense shrubs and brush for nesting.

Moderate Potential. Grassland foraging habitat is available within the Study Area and the Study Area contains some marginal shrub nesting habitat.


tricolored blackbird Agelaius tricolor

BCC, SSC, RP, EACCS

Usually nests over or near freshwater in dense cattails, tules, or thickets of willow, blackberry, wild rose or other tall herbs. Nesting area must be large enough to support about 50 pairs.

Unlikely. The Study Area provides no wetland nesting habitat for this species. This species may occur with other blackbird species in mixed flocks during the non-breeding season and may use the Study Area for foraging.


grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus savannarum

SSC Summer resident in the region. Breeds in open grassland habitats, generally with low- to moderate-height grasses and scattered shrubs.

Moderate Potential. Suitable grassland habitat for breeding and foraging is located in the unmowed portions of the Study Area.


yellow warbler Setophaga (Dendroica) petechia brewsteri

BCC, SSC Frequents riparian plant associations. Prefers willows, cottonwoods, aspens, sycamores and alders for nesting and foraging. Also nests in montane shrubbery in open conifer forests.

Unlikely. This species may fly through the Study Area, but there are no dense riparian areas to support nesting.


B-8


RECOMMENDATIONS

yellow-billed magpie Pica nuttalli

BCC Oak savanna with large trees and large expanses of open ground. The Central Valley floor, gentle slopes, and open park-like areas including along stream courses. Grasslands, pasture, or cultivated fields are needed for foraging.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain the flat, grassland or savannah habitats typically associated with this species.


oak titmouse Baeolophus inornatus

BCC Oak woodland and savannah, open broad-leaved evergreen forests containing oaks, and riparian woodlands. Associated with oak and pine-oak woodland and arborescent chaparral.

Moderate Potential. The oak trees at the southern portion of the Study Area provide foraging and nesting habitat for this species.


Nuttall’s woodpecker Picoides nuttallii

BCC Resident in lowland woodlands throughout much of California west of the Sierra Nevada. Typical habitat is dominated by oaks.

Moderate Potential. The oak trees at the southern portion of the Study Area provide foraging and nesting habitat for this species.


Lawrence's goldfinch Spinus (= Carduelis) lawrencei

BCC Nests in open oak or other arid woodland and chaparral, near water. Nearby herbaceous habitats used for feeding. Closely associated with oaks.

Unlikely. This species may fly through and occasionally forage in the Study Area, the Study Area does not contain extensive woodland or chaparral habitat to support nesting


B-9


RECOMMENDATIONS

Reptiles and Amphibians California red-legged frog Rana draytonii

FT, SSC, RP, EACCS

Lowlands and foothills in or near permanent sources of deep water with dense, shrubby or emergent riparian vegetation. Requires 11 to 20 weeks of permanent water for larval development. Must have access to estivation habitat.

Moderate Potential. The Study Area does not contain breeding habitat for this species, and the nearest breeding habitat is a stock pond 0.6 mile west of the Study Area. This species may use the wet within the Study Area as non-breeding habitat and may also be found in sheltered areas up to 200 feet from these wet areas (USFWS 2010).

Avoidance and minimization measures and/or consultation with the USFWS.

foothill yellow-legged frog Rana boylii

SSC, EACCS

Found in or near rocky streams in a variety of habitats. Feeds on both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.

Unlikely. There is no suitable permanent stream habitat for this species in or adjacent to the Study Area.


B-10


RECOMMENDATIONS

California tiger salamander Ambystoma californiense

FE/FT, ST, RP, EACCS

Populations in Santa Barbara and Sonoma Counties are currently listed as endangered, and the Central Valley populations are listed as threatened. Inhabits grassland, oak woodland, ruderal and seasonal pool habitats. Seasonal ponds and vernal pools are crucial to breeding. Adults utilize mammal burrows as estivation habitat.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain suitable ponding aquatic features for breeding in this species, and the nearest potential breeding habitat is over 0.6 mile west of the Study Area. The Study Area does not lie within a corridor connecting breeding pools. This species is rare in the hills west of Dublin and the nearest documented occurrence is 2.5 miles south of the Study Area and across Interstate 580, a significant barrier to dispersal (Barry and Shaffer 1994, CDFW 2015).


Pacific pond turtle Actinemys marmorata

SSC Occurs in perennial ponds, lakes, rivers and streams with suitable basking habitat (mud banks, mats of floating vegetation, partially submerged logs) and submerged shelter.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain aquatic habitat to support this species, and the nearest documented occurrence is 4.6 miles northeast of the Study Area, across the City of Dublin (CDFW 2015).


B-11


RECOMMENDATIONS

Alameda whipsnake Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus

FT, ST, RP EACCS

Inhabits chaparral and foothill-hardwood habitats in the eastern Bay Area. Prefers south-facing slopes and ravines with rock outcroppings where shrubs form a vegetative mosaic with oak trees and grasses.

Unlikely. No chaparral or foothill- hardwood habitat exists within or immediately around the Study Area, and the Study Area does not serve as a corridor to existing suitable habitat because it is surrounded on three sides by suburban development, creating an effective barrier to dispersal for this species.


Blainville’s (coast) horned lizard Phrynosoma blainvillii (coronatum)

SSC Frequents a wide variety of habitats, most common in lowlands along sandy washes with scattered low bushes. Prefers friable, rocky, or shallow sandy soils for burial; open areas for sunning; bushes for cover; and an abundant supply of ants and other insects.

No Potential. The Study Area and vicinity do not contain any scrub-type habitats to support this species, and the Study Area is outside of this’ species current range (Zeiner et al. 1990).


Invertebrates Valley elderberry longhorn beetle Desmocerus californicus dimorphus

FT, SSI, RP Occurs only in the central valley of California, in association with blue elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea). Prefers to lay eggs in elderberry 2 to 8 inches in diameter; some preference shown for "stressed" elderberry.

No Potential. While the Study Area does contain some elderberry bushes, all were recently planted, small, and in poor health. Additionally, the Study Area is outside of this species’ known range.


B-12


RECOMMENDATIONS

vernal pool fairy shrimp Branchinecta lynchi

FT, SSI, RP, EACCS

Endemic to the grasslands of the Central Valley, central coast mountains, and south coast mountains, in astatic rain-filled pools. Inhabits small, clear-water sandstone-depression pools and grassed swale, earth slump, or basalt-flow depression pools.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain vernal pool habitat and the nearest documented occurrence is over 10 miles east of the Study Area (CDFW 2015).


California linderiella Linderiella occidentalis

SSI Seasonal pools in unplowed grasslands with old alluvial soils underlain by hardpan or in sandstone depressions. Water in the pools has very low alkalinity, conductivity, and TDS

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain vernal pool habitat and the nearest documented occurrence of this species is 4.3 miles to the east across the City of Dublin (CDFW 2015).


San Bruno elfin butterfly Callophrys mossii bayensis

FE, SSI Inhabits coastal mountainous areas with grassy ground cover, mainly in the vicinity of San Bruno Mountain, San Mateo County. Colonies are located on steep, north-facing slopes within the fog belt. Larval host plant is Sedum spathulifolium.

No Potential. The Study Area does not provide suitable habitat or host plants and is outside of the species’ normal range.


Antioch efferian robberfly Efferia antiochi

SSI Known only from Contra Costa County (Antioch) and Fresno County (Fresno).

No Potential. The Study Area does not provide suitable habitat and is outside of the species’ known range


Plants

B-13


RECOMMENDATIONS

bent-flowered fiddleneck Amsinckia lunaris

Rank 1B.2 Coastal bluff scrub, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Elevation ranges from 10 to 1640 feet (3 to 500 meters). Blooms March-June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain coastal bluff scrub, gravelly slopes or serpentine substrate. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality. Potentially suitable cismontane woodland is small and fragmented.


California androsace Androsace elongata ssp. acuta

Rank 4.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, meadows and seeps, pinyon and juniper woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Elevation ranges from 490 to 3940 feet (150 to 1200 meters). Blooms March-June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral, seeps, pinyon or juniper woodland. Potentially suitable coastal scrub habitat is small and fragmented, occurs in heavily disturbed areas, and is dominated by coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea). The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality. Potentially suitable cismontane woodland habitat is small and fragmented.


slender silver moss Anomobryum julaceum

Rank 4.2 Broadleafed upland forest, lower montane coniferous forest, north coast coniferous forest/damp rock and soil on outcrops, usually on roadcuts. Elevation ranges from 330 to 3280 feet (100 to 1000 meters).

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain coniferous forest, damp rock outcrops, or roadcuts. Potentially suitable broadleaved upland forest habitat is small and fragmented.

No further action recommended for this species.

B-14


RECOMMENDATIONS

Mount Diablo manzanita Arctostaphylos auriculata

FE, SE, Rank 1B.3

Chaparral (sandstone), cismontane woodland. Elevation ranges from 440 to 2130 feet (135 to 650 meters). Blooms January-March.

No Potential. No chaparral habitat or sandstone substrate exists within the Study Area. Potentially suitable cismontane woodland habitat is small and fragmented. In addition, this large perennial shrub was not observed during the site visit.


Contra Costa manzanita Arctostaphylos manzanita ssp. laevigata

Rank 1B.2 Chaparral (rocky). Elevation ranges from 1410 to 3610 feet (430 to 1100 meters). Blooms January-March (April).

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain chaparral or rocky substrate, and it is out of the known elevation range of this species. The Study Area is well below the documented elevation range of the species. In addition, this large perennial shrub was not observed during the site visit.


alkali milk-vetch Astragalus tener var. tener

Rank 1B.2 Playas, valley and foothill grassland (adobe clay), vernal pools/alkaline. Elevation ranges from 0 to 200 feet (1 to 60 meters). Blooms March-June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain playa or vernal pool habitat. Undeveloped areas are generally on slopes. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality.


B-15


RECOMMENDATIONS

crownscale Atriplex coronata var. coronata

Rank 4.2 Chenopod scrub, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools/alkaline, often clay. Elevation ranges from 0 to 1940 feet (1 to 590 meters). Blooms March-October.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain chenopod scrub, or vernal pool habitat. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality.


brittlescale Atriplex depressa

Rank 1B.2 Chenopod scrub, meadows and seeps, playas, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools/alkaline, clay. Elevation ranges from 0 to 1050 feet (1 to 320 meters). Blooms April-October.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain chenopod scrub, meadow, seep, playa or vernal pool habitat. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality.


lesser saltscale Atriplex minuscula

Rank 1B.1 Chenopod scrub, playas, valley and foothill grassland/alkaline, sandy. Elevation ranges from 50 to 660 feet (15 to 200 meters). Blooms May-October.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain chenopod scrub, meadow, seep, playa, or alkali sink habitat. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality.


B-16


RECOMMENDATIONS

big-scale balsamroot Balsamorhiza macrolepis

Rank 1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland/sometimes serpentine. Elevation ranges from 300 to 5100 feet (90 to 1555 meters). Blooms March-June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral habitat. Potentially suitable grassland habitat in the Study Area is heavily disturbed and of low quality. Potentially suitable cismontane woodland habitat is small and fragmented. Additionally the species was not observed during the site visit which was conducted during the species’ blooming period.


Mt. Diablo fairy-lantern Calochortus pulchellus

Rank 1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, riparian woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Elevation ranges from 100 to 2760 feet (30 to 840 meters). Blooms April-June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral habitat. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality. Potentially suitable riparian woodland and cismontane woodland is small and fragmented. This species was not observed during the site visit which was conducted during the species’ blooming period.


B-17


RECOMMENDATIONS

Oakland star-tulip Calochortus umbellatus

Rank 4.2 Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest, valley and foothill grassland/often serpentine. Elevation ranges from 330 to 2300 feet (100 to 700 meters). Blooms March-May.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral, coniferous forest, or serpentine substrate. Potentially suitable woodland habitat is small and fragmented. This species was not observed during the site visit.


chaparral harebell Campanula exigua

Rank 1B.2 Chaparral (rocky, usually serpentine). Elevation ranges from 900 to 4100 feet (275 to 1250 meters). Blooms May-June.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain chaparral habitat or serpentine soil.


Congdon’s tarplant Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii

Rank 1B.1, EACCS

Valley and foothill grassland (alkaline). Elevation ranges from 0 to 750 feet (0 to 230 meters). Blooms May-October (November).

Moderate Potential. A Centromadia species was observed but was unidentifiable at the time of the site visit. The closest occurrence of the species is approximately 2.6 miles from the Study Area.

Rare plant surveys during the species’ blooming period are recommended.

palmate-bracted bird's-beak Chloropyron palmatum

FE, SE, Rank 1B.1

Chenopod scrub, alkaline flats, valley and foothill grassland/alkaline. Elevation ranges from 20 to 510 feet (5 to 155 meters). Blooms May-October.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chenopod scrub or alkaline flats. The existing grassland habitat is highly disturbed and of poor quality.


B-18


RECOMMENDATIONS

Santa Clara red ribbons Clarkia concinna ssp. automixa

Rank 4.3, County list

Chaparral, cismontane woodland. Elevation ranges from 300 to 4920 feet (90 to 1500 meters). Blooms (April), May-June (July).

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain suitable evergreen forest habitat. Potentially suitable oak woodland habitat is small and fragmented. The species was not observed during the site visit.


Hospital Canyon larkspur Delphinium californicum ssp. interius

Rank 1B.2 Chaparral (openings), cismontane woodland (mesic), coastal scrub. Elevation ranges from 640 to 3590 feet (195 to 1095 meters). Blooms April-June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral or coastal scrub habitat. Potentially suitable cismontane woodland is small and fragmented. The species was not observed during the site visit.


Mt. Diablo buckwheat Eriogonum truncatum

Rank 1B.1 Chaparral, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland/sandy. Elevation ranges from 10 to 1150 feet (3 to 350 meters). Blooms April-September (November), (December).

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral habitat or sandy soils. Potentially suitable coastal scrub habitat occurs in heavily disturbed areas, and is dominated by coyote brush. The existing grassland in the Study Area is heavily disturbed and of low quality.


B-19


RECOMMENDATIONS

San Joaquin spearscale Extriplex joaquiniana [Atriplex j.]

Rank 1B.2, EACCS

Valley and foothill grassland (alkaline, clay). Elevation ranges from 0 to 3200 feet (0 to 975 meters). Blooms March-April.

Unlikely. Potentially suitable grassland in the Study Area is heavily disturbed and of low quality, and lacks sufficiently alkaline substrate. Study Area soils are neutral to mildly alkaline (USDA 2015). The species was not observed during the site visit.


fragrant fritillary Fritillaria liliacea

Rank 1B.2 Cismontane woodland, coastal prairie, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland/often serpentine. Elevation ranges from 10 to 1350 feet (3 to 410 meters). Blooms February-April.

Unlikely. The Study Area lacks coastal prairie habitat, or serpentine substrate. Potentially suitable coastal scrub habitat is small and fragmented, occurs in heavily disturbed areas, and is dominated by coyote brush. Potentially suitable cismontane woodland is small and fragmented. Potentially suitable grassland is heavily disturbed and of low quality


B-20


RECOMMENDATIONS

Diablo helianthella Helianthella castanea

Rank 1B.2 Broadleafed upland forest, chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal scrub, riparian woodland, valley and foothill grassland. Elevation ranges from 200 to 4270 feet (60 to 1300 meters). Blooms March-June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not chaparral habitat. Potentially suitable coastal scrub habitat is small and fragmented, occurs in heavily disturbed areas, and is dominated by coyote brush. Potentially suitable woodland habitat is small and fragmented. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality. This species was not observed during the site visit.


Brewer’s western flax Hesperolinon breweri

Rank 1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland/usually serpentine. Elevation ranges from 100 to 3100 feet (30 to 945 meters). Blooms May-July.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral or serpentine substrate. Potentially suitable cismontane woodland habitat is small and fragmented. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality.


Loma Prieta hoita Hoita strobilina

Rank 1B.1 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, riparian woodland/usually serpentine, mesic. Elevation ranges from 100 to 2820 feet (30 to 860 meters). Blooms May-July (August), (October).

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral or serpentine substrate. Potentially suitable woodland habitat is small and fragmented. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality.


B-21


RECOMMENDATIONS

Santa Cruz tarplant Holocarpha macradenia

FT, SE, Rank 1B.1

Coastal prairie, coastal scrub, valley and foothill grassland/often clay, sandy. Elevation ranges from 30 to 720 feet (10 to 220 meters). Blooms June-October.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain coastal prairie, or sandy soils. Potentially suitable coastal scrub habitat is small and fragmented, occurs in heavily disturbed areas, and is dominated by coyote brush. Potentially suitable grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality. All known Contra Costa County occurences are introduced; nearly half have failed (CDFW 2015).


coast iris Iris longipetala

Rank 4.2 Coastal prairie, lower montane coniferous forest, meadows and seeps/mesic. Elevation ranges from 0 to 1970 feet (0 to 600 meters). Blooms March-May.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain coastal prairie, coniferous forest, meadows or seeps.


Northern California black walnut Juglans hindsii

Rank 1B.1 Riparian forest, riparian woodland. Elevation ranges from 0 to 1440 feet (0 to 440 meters). Blooms April-May.

Not Present. The species was not observed during the site visit. Only one confirmed, native occurrence appears viable as of 2003 (CDFW 2015).


B-22


RECOMMENDATIONS

bristly Leptosiphon Leptosiphon acicularis

Rank 4.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, coastal prairie, valley and foothill grassland. Elevation ranges from 180 to 4920 feet (55 to 1500 meters). Blooms April-July.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral or coastal prairie. Potentially suitable woodland habitat is small and fragmented. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality. This species was not observed during the site visit.


Hall's bush-mallow Malacothamnus hallii

Rank 1B.2 Chaparral, coastal scrub. Elevation ranges from 30 to 2490 feet (10 to 760 meters). Blooms May-September (October).

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral habitat. Potentially suitable coastal scrub habitat is small and fragmented, occurs in heavily disturbed areas, and is dominated by coyote brush. The perennial shrub species was not observed during the site visit.


woodland woolythreads Monolopia gracilens

Rank 1B.2 Broadleafed upland forest (openings), chaparral (openings), cismontane woodland, north coast coniferous forest (openings), valley and foothill grassland/serpentine. Elevation ranges from 330 to 3940 feet (100 to 1200 meters). Blooms (February), March-July.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral, coniferous forest or serpentine substrate. Potentially suitable woodland habitat is small and fragmented. The existing grassland habitat is heavily disturbed and of low quality. This species was not observed during the site visit.


B-23


RECOMMENDATIONS

shining navarretia Navarretia nigelliformis ssp. radians

Rank 1B.2 Cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools/sometimes clay. Elevation ranges from 250 to 3280 feet (76 to 1000 meters). Blooms April-July.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain vernal pool habitat. The existing grassland is heavily disturbed and of low quality. Potentially suitable coastal scrub habitat is small and fragmented, occurs in heavily disturbed areas, and is dominated by coyote brush. Potentially suitable woodland habitat is small and fragmented.


prostrate vernal pool navarretia Navarretia prostrata

Rank 1B.1 Coastal scrub, meadows and seeps, valley and foothill grassland (alkaline), vernal pools/mesic. Elevation ranges from 10 to 3970 feet (3 to 1210 meters). Blooms April-July.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain, meadows, seeps or vernal pools, and lacks sufficiently alkaline substrate. The existing grassland habitat in the Study Area is heavily disturbed and of low quality. Potentially suitable coastal scrub habitat is small and fragmented, occurs in heavily disturbed areas, and is dominated by coyote brush.


B-24


RECOMMENDATIONS

Mt. Diablo Phacelia Phacelia phacelioides

Rank 1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland/rocky. Elevation ranges from 1640 to 4490 feet (500 to 1370 meters). Blooms April-May.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral habitat. Potentially suitable woodland habitat is small and fragmented. The Study Area is well below the documented elevation range for the species.

hairless popcorn flower Plagiobothrys glaber

Rank 1A Meadows and seeps (alkaline), marshes and swamps (coastal salt). Elevation ranges from 50 to 590 feet (15 to 180 meters). Blooms March-May.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain alkaline meadows, seeps, or coastal salt marshes and swamps. Repeated site disturbance renders occurrences of this species unlikely. This species is presumed extinct and has not been found since 1954 (CDFW 2015).


Oregon polemonium Polemonium carneum

Rank 2B.2 Coastal prairie, coastal scrub, lower montane coniferous forest. Elevation ranges from 0 to 6000 feet (0 to 1830 meters). Blooms April-September.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain coastal prairie or coniferous forest. Potentially suitable coastal scrub habitat is small and fragmented, occurs in heavily disturbed areas, and is dominated by coyote brush.

B-25


RECOMMENDATIONS

Lobb's aquatic buttercup Ranunculus lobbii

Rank 4.2 Cismontane woodland, north coast coniferous forest, valley and foothill grassland, vernal pools/mesic. Elevation ranges from 50 to 1540 feet (15 to 470 meters). Blooms February-May.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain coniferous forest or vernal pool habitat. Potentially suitable mesic woodland habitat is small and fragmented. The existing grassland habitat is xeric, heavily disturbed and of low quality.

most beautiful jewel-flower Streptanthus albidus ssp. peramoenus

Rank 1B.2 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, valley and foothill grassland/serpentine. Elevation ranges from 310 to 3280 feet (95 to 1000 meters). Blooms (March), April-September (October).

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain serpentine substrate.

Mt. Diablo jewelflower Streptanthus hispidus

Rank 1B.3 Chaparral, valley and foothill grassland/rocky. Elevation ranges from 1200 to 3940 feet (365 to 1200 meters). Blooms March-June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral, or rocky soils. The grassland in the Study Area is heavily disturbed and of low quality.


slender leaved pondweed Stuckenia filiformis ssp. alpina [Potamogeton f.]

Rank 2B.2 Marshes and swamps (assorted shallow freshwater). Elevation ranges from 980 to 7050 feet (300 to 2150 meters). Blooms May-July.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain freshwater marshes or swamps.


saline clover Trifolium hydrophilum [T. depauperatum var. hydrophilum]

Rank 1B.2 Marshes and swamps, valley and foothill grassland (mesic, alkaline), vernal pools. Elevation ranges from 0 to 980 feet (0 to 300 meters). Blooms April-June.

No Potential. The Study Area does not contain vernal pools, marshes, swamps or sufficiently alkaline substrate. Existing grassland habitat is xeric, heavily disturbed and of low quality.


B-26


RECOMMENDATIONS

coastal triquetrella Triquetrella californica

Rank 1B.2 Coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub on gravel or thin soil over outcrops. Elevation ranges from 30 to 330 feet (10 to 100 meters).

Unlikely The Study Area does not contain coastal bluff scrub or gravelly soil. Potentially suitable coastal scrub occurs in heavily disturbed areas.


caperfruit tropidocarpum Tropidocarpum capparideum

Rank 1B.1 Coastal bluff scrub, coastal scrub/soil. Elevation ranges from 30 to 330 feet (10 to 100 meters).

Unlikely. The existing grassland is heavily disturbed and of low quality, and lacks sufficiently alkaline soil. The closest documented occurrences are in the hills east of Livermore, and none are more recent than the 1930s.


oval-leaved viburnum Viburnum ellipticum

Rank 2B.3 Chaparral, cismontane woodland, lower montane coniferous forest. Elevation ranges from 710 to 4590 feet (215 to 1400 meters). Blooms May-June.

Unlikely. The Study Area does not contain chaparral or coniferous forest. Potentially suitable woodland habitat is small and fragmented.


* Key to status codes: FE Federal Endangered FT Federal Threatened BCC USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern SE State Endangered ST State Threatened SC State Candidate SSC CDFW Species of Special Concern SSI CDFW Special-Status Invertebrate

B-27

CFP CDFW Fully Protected Animal WBWG Western Bat Working Group (High or Medium) Priority species RP Species included in a USFWS Recovery Plan or Draft Recovery Plan Rank 1A CRPR Rank 1A: Presumed extirpated in California and either rare or extinct elsewhere Rank 1B CRPR Rank 1B: Plants rare, threatened or endangered in California and elsewhere Rank 2B CRPR Rank 2B: Plants rare, threatened, or endangered in California, but more common elsewhere Rank 3 CRPR Rank 3: Plants about which CNPS needs more information (a review list) EACCS Final East Alameda County Conservation Strategy (2010) Proposed Focal Species Species Evaluations: See evaluation definitions in Section 3.2.2 of the report.

MEMORANDUM

To: Jerry Haag, Urban Planner From: Sean Avent, WRA, Inc. [email protected]

cc:

Date: March 5, 2018

Subject: Dublin Valley Christian Center Biological Site Conditions Update

Background The purpose of this memorandum is to present the results of a site survey at the Valley Christian Center, in Dublin, Alameda County, California (Study Area) to determine the current state of the Study Area as compared to a prior survey in 2015.

On May 20, 2015, WRA, Inc. (WRA) conducted a biological resources assessment (BRA) at the Study Area in support of the proposed Multi-purpose Sports Field Site Development Project (Project). The site visit assessed the Study Area for the (1) potential to support special-status species and (2) presence of other sensitive biological resources protected by local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

During the 2015 assessment, WRA observed five biological communities, 61 plant species and seven wildlife species. Three sensitive biological community types covering 1.86 acres in the Study Area were identified, including ephemeral stream, and riparian woodland. However, no special-status wildlife or plant species were observed within the Study Area. Six special-status wildlife species and one special-status plant species were determined to have a moderate potential to occur within the Study Area.

Given that over two and a half years have passed since the preparation of the BRA report, the City of Dublin, as CEQA Lead Agency, requested an update to confirm if existing conditions observed during the 2015 assessment had changed significantly. This memorandum is in direct response to the City’s request.

Methods

On March 5, 2018, WRA biologist Scott Yarger, who had conducted the 2015 site assessment, returned to the site to assess whether existing conditions had changed significantly since the 2015 site visit. Prior to the site visit, publically available aerial imagery (Google Earth 2018) was reviewed to investigate whether any observable substantive changes to the Study Area had

occurred. During the site visit, the Study Area was traversed on foot to observe and document any significant changes to biological communities or habitats on site, with a particular focus on undeveloped areas, and areas containing potentially sensitive habitats including wetlands, streams and riparian areas. The site was additionally investigated for the presence of special-status plant and wildlife species during the site visit.

Results

Overall site conditions have not changed significantly since the 2015 site visit. The distribution and extent of sensitive biological communities, including ephemeral stream, riparian woodland, and coast live oak woodland have neither expanded nor decreased. Additional areas within the original Study Area but outside of the Project footprint were investigated for potential wetland conditions, in particular within the manmade stormwater detention basins along Inspiration Drive to the south of the existing campus facilities. However, based on percent cover of hydrophytic vegetation, lack of hydrology, and/or hydric soil parameters none of these areas were determined to be potential wetlands. No sensitive habitats or special-status plant or wildlife species were observed within the Project footprint.

One special-status plant, Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii, CNPS Rank 1B), was observed inside the Study Area, but outside of the Project footprint, and is discussed below:

Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. congdonii). CNPS Rank 1B.1. East Alameda County Conservation Strategy (EACCS) Focal Species. Present. Congdon’s tarplant is an annual forb in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) that blooms from June to November. It occurs in terraces, swales, floodplains, grassland, and disturbed sites, sometimes alkaline, at elevations ranging from 0-990 feet (Baldwin et al. 2012, CDFW 2018, CNPS 2018). Congdon’s tarplant is known from 31 USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles in Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, and Solano counties (CNPS 2018). During the 2015 site visit two tarplant individuals (Centromadia sp.) were observed in the northeast portion of the Study Area, within the Project footprint, in a disturbed ruderal field used for heavy equipment storage. The tarplant individuals observed in this area during the site visit were unidentifiable due to the timing of the site visit and the absence of mature inflorescences. The area where the two previous Centromadia sp. individuals were observed in 2015 was checked again in 2018 and no individuals were found at that location. During the 2018 site visit, approximately five individuals of the genus were observed in a man-made stormwater detention basin south of Inspiration Drive, between Inspiration Drive and Dublin Boulevard, outside of the Project footprint. A portion of one of the senesced annual plants was collected for identification, and it was determined to be Congdon’s tarplant. This population is located outside of the Project footprint, and is not anticipated to be impacted by the Project.

Literature Cited

Baldwin, BG, DH Goldman, DJ Keil, R Patterson, TJ Rosatti, and DH Wilken (eds.). 2012. The

Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California, second edition. University of California Press, Berkeley, CA.

[CDFW] California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2018. California Natural Diversity Database. Wildlife and Habitat Data Analysis Branch, Sacramento, CA.

[CNPS] California Native Plant Society. 2018. Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of

California. California Native Plant Society, Sacramento, California. Online at: http://www.rareplants.cnps.org; most recently accessed: March.

Google Earth. 2018. Aerial Imagery 1993-2015. Most recently accessed: May 2015. [WRA] WRA, Inc. 2015. Biological Resources Assessment, Dublin Valley Christian Center,

Dublin, Alameda County, California. Prepared for Jerry Haag, Urban Planner. June 15.

biological resources assessment...jun 15, 2015 · sensitive biological communities include...

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